When people say they love Greece, they’re usually referring to the islands–not gasping for air on a hike up Mount Olympus. And yet, I would argue that ascending to the home of the Greek gods is actually the greater once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Also, I would be completely remiss if I didn’t shout out my friend and fellow expat, Jess, for recommending this hike. When I sourced public opinions on where to go in Greece, far and away the votes were for places like Athens and the islands. But Jess, who has a very special relationship with the country and knows me well, said no trip would be complete without heading north and hiking Mount Olympus.
So, where is Mount Olympus?
Mount Olympus is located in northeastern Greece in the country’s oldest national park, between Thessaly and Macedonia. The mountain range offers some of the best hiking in Greece and is home to 52 peaks, the highest of which is the legendary Mytikas.
Note: While you are not required to have a special permit or hire an official guide for the hike, travelers should be aware that the area is a protected biosphere and UNESCO World Heritage Site. So, treat it respectfully.
Hiking Mount Olympus in Greece is at least a two-day affair for most people, regardless of which of the three usual starting points you begin. The longest route begins from the town of Litichoro (pronounced “litee-horo”), which has a population of around 7,000 people. (Sidenote: If I were looking to become a digital nomad in Greece, this place would definitely appeal to introverted nature lovers.)
How to get to Mt. Olympus
To get to the beginning of the hike, plan to fly into Athens or Thessaloniki and rent a car. If you’re coming from Athens, the drive will take around five hours. If you’re coming from Thessaloniki, it’s only about an hour.
We drove from Athens, but in hindsight, renting in Thessaloniki would have been much more straightforward because we could have picked up and dropped off the car in the same location, which is both more convenient and avoids the large surcharge rental companies add to vehicles that are being dropped off in a different city than where they were picked up.
Necessary equipment
I found hiking Mount Olympus to be enjoyably challenging, but I was also well-prepared with most of the items on the below packing list:
Sturdy hiking shoes
The path up the first day is heavily forested and no fancy footwear is technically required. However, have you scrambling up (and down) rock and shale paths. Also, if you go for the summit, the grip will come in handy. I am endlessly grateful to my trusty Merrels for seeing me through the journey.
Refillable water bottle
These days, I always hike with the purple Hydroflask that my brother got me as a Christmas gift a couple of years ago. It holds about a liter of water and there were opportunities to refill at Priora and Refuge A (more on those later).
Snacks
The first day is the longest, with about 6-7 hours of walking at most. That said, there are warm, home-cooked meal options at the Refuge. With that in mind, I was fine with an energy bar, a piece of fruit, and a sandwich. (Note that when I say “fine” I mean that I arrived ravenous for dinner – and was incandescently happy with an enormous bowl of spaghetti and meatballs.)
Layers of athletic wear
I wore one pair of hiking pants both days (don’t judge me) but only because I was too tired to pull on my clean pair of leggings for sleeping. Typically, I like to let my pants air out overnight by swapping them for something clean and cozy.
Depending on the time of year, you’ll also likely want to have a pair of shorts on hand. When I did this hike with my partner, it was the beginning of October, so I was perfectly comfortable in pants from the beginning.
For tops, I would recommend at least one tank top or T-shirt, with 1-2 long sleeves. (I took a fitted long-sleeve tee and a long-sleeve thermal; I tend to get cold quickly when the sun goes down.) On top of that, I brought my ever-enduring, rain-resistant, fleece-lined Eddie Bauer jacket. I’ve had it since I studied abroad in New Zealand six years ago!
For feet, I went with thick crew socks.
Outerwear
For headwear, I had a baseball cap on the first day and a warm hat for the second. What I didn’t pack that I would recommend packing: is a nice warm scarf, gloves, and chapstick. These recommended items are mostly for the second day when you’re at the highest elevation. It was extremely windy and sunny when we submitted, so much so that my cheeks got windburned!
I would also recommend sunglasses and sunscreen (it’s also just good practice to carry these with you on hikes in general). Finally, a headlamp is always a good idea. Even if you’re staying in a refuge, you never know when you might be running behind
Other items
- A quick-drying towel – Refuge A has cold showers (hard pass) but I did surprise myself by taking the opportunity to do a cold plunge in one of the gorgeous natural pools along the trail on day one of the hike. Try to get something designed for hiking so that you can really pack it down and it doesn’t take up much space. For folks based in Europe, I recommend this one from Decathlon.
- Empty plastic grocery bags (for packing out your trash!)
- Basic toiletries – I brought a toothbrush, toothpaste, glasses, and extra contacts. Wish I’d remembered eye drops. I also brought a travel hand sanitizer.
- Battery pack – it feels great to know that you have the ability to charge your phone if you need to (even though cell signal was pretty non-existent on the mountain for me, so I just put my phone in airplane mode)
- Charger and cable if you’re able to simply plug into an outlet at the refuge (although this can sometimes be challenging if it’s crowded)
How to start your hike up Mount Olympus
As I mentioned earlier, the easiest way to get to a trailhead to start the Mt. Olympus hike is to fly into either Athens or Thessaloniki, rent a car, and to Mount Olympus.
Of course, you’re not just going to be able to drive to the foot of the mountain, but you can get pretty darn close. If you want to do the longest version of the hike, the most common route is from Litochoro.
Hiking Mount Olympus beginning from Litichoro
Litochoro is an adorable small town full of narrow and winding streets populated with many, many cats. It’s situated nearly at sea level and located just 6 km (4 miles) from the Aegean Sea. So, this is by far the most intense (or sportive, as the French say) option.
I would have loved to start from the furthest point away because the first few hours are (reportedly) not very challenging, and you hike through the lovely Enipea Canyon. Unfortunately, we were pressed for time, but I suppose that just means we’ll have to come back and include this section of the trail on future mountain strolls!
If you plan to depart from Litichoro, the advice I can give you from our experience is to:
- Arrive in Litichoro at least one day before you plan to do the hike, ideally in the morning or afternoon. The reason for this is so that you can load up on snacks at the main grocery store, which won’t be open at the time you need to leave to make it to the refuge by nightfall.
- Book accommodation that allows you to leave your car (if you have one) on the premises while you hike. We booked this place and it met all of our needs. The earlier you can leave for the hike, the better, because you’ll want to arrive at the refuge in time to enjoy the sunset, indulge in an enormous dinner, and save your energy for the summit on Day 2.
- Consider building in a day to recover in Litichoro or nearby Katerini after the hike. I did not do this when planning our itinerary and we ended up feeling a bit rushed after the hike because we had a hotel to check into in Thessaloniki.
Save almost two hours by starting from the Agios Dionysios Monastery
As I mentioned, Thibault and I began here.
We arrived the evening before starting the hike in Litochoro and slept in a very simple, clean, and well-situated guesthouse that was perfect for us, but there are many other options for accommodation in Litochoro.
After buying some snacks for the day at the grocery in town, we then drove up to the monastery, effectively cutting around two hours of walking off the hike.
Hiking Mount Olympus from the monastery
The road up Mt. Olympus to the monastery is, obviously, mountainous, but didn’t feel nearly as unsafe as some other roads we’ve driven on. It’s very winding and some of the turns are sharp, but in general, it’s an enjoyable 35-minute drive from Litochoro to the monastery. One thing that we quickly noticed is that the signal on the mountain is virtually nonexistent, or at least, that was our experience with our French phones.
At the monastery, there wasn’t much to see because it was under construction. It’s not immediately clear where the path is, but if you park the car and walk to the end of the parking lot (towards the monastery, on the right side) a little path appears and dips down on the side. Follow it right and you’re on your way! We headed to Spilios Agapitos (Refuge A), which is the most common place for hikers to overnight before tackling the Mytikas Summit.
Note: We were a little nervous about leaving the car overnight, so of course took every precaution to ensure it wouldn’t look too interesting to damage. For example, we put valuables in the trunk, ensured it was locked and nothing was visible on the seats, etc. When we arrived back, all was well!
Starting from Prionia
Prionia is the highest point that you can get to by vehicle, situated at 1100m. Many tour groups depart from this point because there is a nice restaurant where you can fuel up before tackling the ascent to the refuge. The final leg from Prionia to Refuge A takes around three hours and includes paths through heavily forested paths that turn into steeper, shale-laden paths.
Arriving at Spilios Agapitos
Also known as “Refuge A,” Spilio Agapitos will have most people humbled and starving by the time they arrive.
Situated at 2,060m, it is a family-owned establishment that runs like clockwork. There is a great air of camaraderie when you arrive. Everyone is excited to be there, and nothing relaxes nature people more than being all together with a safe, warm place to sleep nearby. If you have traveled in hostels and enjoyed the experience, you’ll likely find the atmosphere familiar and enjoyable.
Upon arrival, you’ll enter the Refuge and go to the check-in desk. The owners request you to remove your shoes while you’re in the building, and then you can order dinner and drinks. You can pay by card, however, there is a clear preference for cash. The meals are all homemade, and the portions are extremely generous.
Important note: You must book your bed(s) at the refuge before you arrive
Refuge A provides exceptionally well for travelers in that it features electricity (meaning you can charge your phone), WiFi, functioning toilets, and (cold) showers. It is open from mid-May to late October and can accommodate over 100 travelers with pillows and (very warm and large) blankets.
Rooms are dorm-style, and it’s recommended to bring your own sheets. Alternatively, you can purchase single-use ones while there. Reservations are imperative because of the popularity of the refuge, particularly during high season. (1)
It’s worth noting too that when we went in early October, the place was still pretty full of people too, so my fellow planners out there will be pleased to hear that I don’t think you can book too far in advance here since the alternative option is wild camping at over 2000m, which would be super cold and uncomfortable given the surrounding terrain.
(We did see some people doing this, with tents set up on the flat slabs of stone that marked the final staircase before arriving at the refuge. Unclear if this is legal or whether they were asked to pay something to be near the relative safety of the refuge, but it *could* be an option.)
Doing the Mytikas Summit
Day 2 of the Mount Olympus hike is reserved for the gods – literally. Pretty much everyone you’ll encounter at the refuge is either planning to attempt the summit or with someone who plans to go for it. When we were there, we ate dinner with an American travel nurse from Denver who was in between assignments and planning to take on the summit solo – badass!
What time you start the hike will likely be extremely weather-dependent, but it’s usually a good idea to plan for an early start. We used this weather tracker to keep tabs on the temperature, wind, and clouds and found it very accurate. (2)
When we went to sleep the night before the summit, we hadn’t really planned what time we would leave. One of the “perks” of being in a dorm with around a dozen other people is that you’re not likely to sleep very deeply, so waking up when everyone else does feels natural, even if it’s at six in the morning. In the end, we were also glad to have opted for the early departure because doing so gives you a better chance at completing the summit.
Because the weather can change so quickly, if you leave early there’s still a chance that you can wait out any clouds or wind that make attempting the summit too intimidating (or dangerous). Leaving later tips the odds mischief occurring to the gods, which history advises us to avoid.
What to bring on Day 2
Many people leave their excess belongings behind at the refuge. This is free of charge and makes a lot of sense because you want to be light and agile when doing the summit, and the refuge is a pretty safe place. I took with me the trusty brown rucksack that has steadfastly seen me through most hikes I’ve done since 2016. In it went my Hydroflask, extra layers, passport and wallet (might as well not risk those unnecessarily), and an apple.
The route up to Mytikas
The path up to the summit is very rocky and full of shale. I don’t like these types of paths because it slows you down so much and you get tired quickly because your stabilizer muscles are in use from the first step. But, the scenery is stunning and you’re quite literally following others who share the same mission as you, which is a pretty cool feeling.
We started the hike around 7:30 AM, which was on the earlier side of when most people went. I discussed this earlier, but another reason to get an early start is to get out ahead of the tour groups because otherwise you become constrained to their pace. That said, this might not be a bad thing if you enjoy hiking with others and could benefit from the steady pace set by a licensed tour guide.
Meeting Mytikas
After around two hours of leg-burning hiking, you’re rewarded with a close-up of the summit. A mountainous corridor of around 400m separates you from the mythical white rock, but at this point, you’ve never been closer.
Mytikas is the highest point in Greece, piercing the sky at 2,917 meters. That will be important to keep your mind as you grit your teeth and press onward, likely pausing to stop and gasp for breath every 20 feet or so. One you arrive, you’ll be near Skala Peak, which is accessible from the saddle of the mountaintop and far less intimidating than Mytikas.
If you’re committed to Mytikas, you’re in for a Class III scramble. This basically means you’ll feel a lot safer with a helmet. These are available to rent for a few euros at the refuge, and I would recommend it because… it’s your head. Why not protect it from avoidable harm for a few euros?
What is a Class III scramble?
The Yosemite Decimal System describes a Class III scramble as, “Scrambling with increased exposure. Handholds are necessary. A rope should be available for learning climbers, or if you just choose to use one that day, but is usually not required. Falls could easily be fatal.” (3)
I found this description to be largely true, and so would not recommend this portion of the hike to those who have a paralyzing fear of heights. That said, if you simply have a normal, healthy fear like me, I will say that it was easier than I expected to tune out the possibility of a deathly fall because focusing on following the blazes requires intense concentration on the rocks in front of you, as well as where you put your hands and feet.
You will likely want to pause and look around as you go, which is natural because the scenery is breathtaking. When you do, though, make sure you are steady against the mountain and do not whip your head around. This can make you dizzy and send your brain into panic mode. Instead, raise your head and turn it slowly, taking a deep draught of your surroundings. And, remember to breathe!
Advice to safely enjoy the adventure of ascending Greece’s highest point
Below is a summary of recommendations for how to safely ascend to Mytikas on Day 2 of the Mount Olympus hike.
Leave early from the refuge
Between 6:30 and 7:30 AM is a great departure time.
Follow the blazes!
A very memorable Bulgarian man scared the shit out of a group of us during the scramble when he deviated from the marked path and ended up with a group of us yelling in a mix of English, Greek, and French to coax him back from the precarious ledge he’d wound up on. He later told me that if I enjoyed Mytikas, I would love the highest point in Bulgaria, Musala, because it is a little higher.
Bring plenty of layers
Even if Zeus isn’t home, the wind gods (Anemoi) likely are. I get cold easily, so recommend a hat, scarf, and at least two base layers.
Make it a group effort–even if you’re hiking solo
I’ve spoken about the camaraderie of hikers quite a bit during this piece, and I stand by the statement that nature people are some of the best around. Personally, I don’t know if I‘d have had the courage to pursue the summit if Thibault and I hadn’t met a retired Belgian couple at the start of the scramble and tackled the route together. (And, small world, the wife’s name was Claire!)
Only take the essentials
Per my last note, the layers will take up a lot of space. Prioritize your packing so that you’re able to be agile during the scramble.
Focus on where you’re putting your feet
If you get panicky during the scramble to Mytikas, focus on one thing at a time. The route is marked, but the mountain is so big that sometimes it takes a minute to find the next blaze. This can actually be helpful in keeping you focused on the task at hand, preventing an existential breakdown if you get anxious about the insanity of it all halfway through.
Opting for the Skolio Summit in lieu of Mytikas
Many people arrive at the beginning of the summit route and realize that they simply can’t do it. And, that’s completely okay! If you’re not up for the scramble, you can follow a narrow ridge line over to Skolio Peak, which is at 1911 m, and enjoy the breathtaking views. If you squint, you’ll also see those doing the summit route, visible like brightly-colored ants moving veeeery slowly along the mountain.
Common questions about hiking Mt. Olympus in Greece
How long does it take to hike up Mount Olympus?
I would allow at least two days to do the Mount Olympus hike. But, knowing what I do now, I would also recommend looking into making it a part of a longer hike in the mountains. The landscape is truly incredible and worth exploring beyond the well-known summit hike.
Can beginners hike Mount Olympus?
I would say that anyone with a base level of fitness could handle hiking up to Skolio Summit. However, you would have to either be a very brave beginner or be accompanied by a more experienced hiker to enjoy doing the Mytikas summit.
Can I climb Mount Olympus alone?
Yes! With the right preparation, this would be an excellent solo hike. Just take care to plan accordingly to minimize the increased risks that come from hiking without a partner or group.
How hard is it to climb Mount Olympus?
This is difficult to answer, but I think I would give Mount Olympus a 7/10 for physical difficulty, and 8/10 for mental difficulty. You will leave this hike proud of yourself and mentally refreshed and restored.
How can I prepare to hike Mount Olympus?
Get moving, and get to know how you like to hike. Some people like to push through long stretches before indulging in a solid block or rest, while others prefer to break up the route with short, regular breaks. Also, when in doubt, always bring the hat or extra snack!
References
- Reserving at Refuge A
- Weather tracked for Mount Olympus
- Definitions for Scrambling Ratings.pdf (sierraclub.org)
Other resources of potential interest
Okay, some of these pictures make this hike look terrifying! Is it as freaky as it looks? Haha.
YES it was horrifying at times lol, I almost didn’t even try for the summit! Fortunately, we started talking with another couple right before they went and the energy was so positive that I just decided to go for it. After the initial fear it was OK, I just couldn’t lift my head up and look around or else I think I was getting some vertigo!